Tom Bradshaw believes he can still make the Wales squad for the Euro 2016 finals – even though he hopes to be forced out of the training camp in Portugal.
The young Walsall striker was this week named in manager Chris Coleman’s extended group of 29 players for the pre-tournament trip to the Algarve.
But Bradshaw, 23, is aiming to be forced out of the visit by helping his club to the League One play-off final at Wembley on May 29. Wales fly out on May 23.
To do that, the Saddlers must overcome Barnsley in their two-legged semi-final with matches at Oakwell on Saturday and then the return on May 19 at the Bescot Stadium.
Bradshaw, who has scored 20 goals for Walsall this season, said: “It is very rare that you are involved in play-offs and the finals of a tournament.
“So, for myself, if I could win the play-offs and then go to the Euros, that would be brilliant.
“The Wales set-up have been great. They completely understand the situation and I know it won’t be held against me in any way if I can’t make the camp in Portugal.
“Obviously, I’m in the play-offs, and I could, potentially, be going to Wembley. But, I will be considered for the 23-man squad and I’ll be doing everything I can to be part of that.”
Reading, Preston and Birmingham City have all been linked with moves for Bradshaw, who was born in Shrewsbury, but grew up in Tywyn, Gwynedd.
A year ago, he looked to be nowhere near making the Wales squad for the finals, but his impressive season caught Coleman’s eye and he made his international debut against Ukraine in March.
Bradshaw has scored in his last two matches for Walsall – the 5-0 victory away at Port Vale and the previous 3-1 win against Fleetwood, as they just missed out on automatic promotion.
